Every athlete aspires to represent their country and secure victories on the global stage. However, this ambition requires more than just raw talent; it necessitates a solid foundation and proper training. Recognizing this need, the Sports Ministry has started the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program nationwide in collaboration with Rashtrasant Tukadoji Maharaj Nagpur University (RTMNU)
KIRTI seeks to scout and train talented individuals at the grassroots level, preparing them for international competition. RTMNU, a key partner in this endeavor, will focus on training athletes in five disciplines: football, volleyball, kabaddi, kho kho, and athletics.
Dr. Sharad Suryawanshi, Director of Sports at RTMNU, informed that boys and girls aged 9 to 18 from Nagpur and surrounding districts of Vidarbha will have the opportunity to participate in these sports. Selection trials for interested players will take place at the RTMNU ground on Ravi Nagar, Amravati Road, commencing on April 23rd.
To oversee this initiative, an organizing committee has been established under the guidance of former Director Dr. Dhananjay Welurkar, with members including Dr. Aditya Soni, Dr. Sanjay Chaudhary, Dr. Manoj Ambadkar, Dr. Vibekanand Singh, Dr. Nitin Jangitwat, Dr. Amit Tebhurne, Dr. Sudhir Sahare, Sayali Waghmare, Archana Kottewar, Ramchandra Wani, and Nitin Dhabekar.
Players willing to participate in KIRTI programme will be registered on MyBharat portal. Complete information of all the players across the country taking part in the initiative will be available on this portal. Apart from this, performance of players will also be recorded on this portal. This will help coaches to easily get the information about the position of their players and can decide the direction of training accordingly.